This rambling is one I have been really excited about writing because it was actually requested of me — and before I say anything else, I want to start there.

First, thank you. The support, the messages, and the encouragement to write about my life mean more than you probably realize. 

Second, I am honored that someone made a point to ask me to share my thoughts on a specific topic. 

With that, I also owe an apology. This one took me a while. Not because I didn’t want to write it, but because when I finally sat down to do so, I realized… I am not good at forcing myself to focus and write about a topic that doesn’t just pop into my head. On top of that, I didn’t actually know how to explain why I choose to own guns.

I assumed I did.
Turns out, I did not.

When I first tried to put my thoughts into words, I found myself listing reasons people usually assume I own guns.

Patriotism.
Protecting my rights.
Growing up in the country.
Being raised around firearms.
Self-defense.

All of those may be true in some way — but none of them felt like the reason. They were explanations people expect. Not my reality.

And the truth is… when I stripped all of that away, I was left with something much simpler —and harder to explain:
I own guns because I want to.

That answer felt almost too plain. Too unapologetic. Too honest.

Do I think everyone should own guns? Absolutely not.
Do I think people should be required to take a basic safety class before purchasing one? Absolutely.
Do I think banning guns will save lives? Absolutely not.
Do I think banning guns will lead to more innocent deaths? Absolutely.
Do I think children should have open access to guns? Absolutely not.
Do I think children should be taught gun safety? Absolutely. 

Those are my opinions on the topic.
But they still weren’t my why.

After sitting with it — longer than I expected — I realized my reason doesn’t fit neatly into political arguments or internet sound bites.

I own guns because… I like them.

I like the discipline that comes with them.
I like going out and honing a skill — focusing, breathing, improving.
I like the competitiveness — finding out who is the better shot.
I like knowing that if someone ever tried to force their will on my boys or on me, I would at least have an opportunity to protect us.
I like carrying on a tradition that was passed down to me — not recklessly, not casually, but intentionally.
And I like teaching my boys safety, respect, and the value of a human life — which is priceless.

That’s my reality.

Not fear-driven.
Not ego-driven.
Not because I think everyone should think like me.

Just mine.

I’m not asking anyone to agree with me.
I’m not asking anyone to change their mind.

I’m simply offering my truth — the one that exists outside of headlines, comment sections, and assumptions.

My gun ownership isn’t about politics.
It isn’t about fear.
It isn’t about proving anything to anyone.

It’s about responsibility.
It’s about skill.
It’s about protecting what matters most to me.
It’s about teaching my boys respect for life — not disregard for it.

I own guns because I want to — thoughtfully, responsibly, and without apology.
That choice is mine.
And that’s enough.

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– sorry NOT sorry –

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